How-to Guide
How to Grow Rhubarb
The short answer
Grow rhubarb from a crown planted in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It is a long-lived perennial that can produce for 10 to 15 years or more. Give the plant a year or two to establish before you start harvesting, then pick stalks by holding each one firmly and pulling with a twist rather than cutting.
Only the thick leaf stalks (petioles) are eaten. According to Extension sources, rhubarb leaves are toxic and should be trimmed off and discarded, not eaten. After harvest, leave the remaining leaves on the plant so it can rebuild energy for next year.
Planting and care
- Plant crowns in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil
- Let plants establish for a year or two before harvesting stalks
- Divide crowns every few years in early spring to keep plants vigorous
- Keep watering and weeding through summer even after harvest
Harvesting stalks
To pick rhubarb, hold the stalk firmly and pull with a twist rather than cutting with a knife, which can spread disease. After harvest, allow the plant to keep its remaining leaves to store energy for the next season.
The leaves are toxic
⚠ Extension sources state rhubarb leaves are toxic and should not be eaten; only the leaf stalks are edible. Trim the leaves off and discard them.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Oregon State University Extension — Are rhubarb leaves toxic? — Rhubarb leaves are toxic and should not be eaten; only the stalks (petioles) are edible.
- University of Minnesota Extension — Growing rhubarb in home gardens — Rhubarb is a long-lived perennial; harvest stalks by pulling and twisting, and leave remaining leaves after harvest.
- University of Wisconsin Horticulture — Rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum — Only edible leaf petioles are harvested; leaves contain oxalic acid and are not eaten. Plants can live 15+ years.